‘OPPRESSION’:
While urging China and the Hong Kong government to comply with the joint declaration, the DPP criticized China’s changes to its anti-espionage law

• By Chen Cheng-yu
  and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writer

In a statement marking the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday denounced Beijing for openly reneging on the Sino-British Joint Declaration, turning the “pearl of the Orient” into a place of “nightmares.”

Together with the Hong Kong National Security Law, China’s amendments to its counterespionage law, which went into effect yesterday, would only bring more fear and oppression to the territory, the DPP said.

The Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress previously redefined what counts as a spy to include spy organizations or their agents that attack critical infrastructure, carry out cyberattacks against state organizations or intelligence units, or financially profit from such acts.

Photo: AP

The DPP said that the expanded definition had caused many foreigners in China and Hong Kong to fear for their personal safety, adding that recent reports of a “blacklist” for Taiwanese in Hong Kong mean there is an increased risk facing Taiwanese doing business there.

Beijing’s oppressive and autocratic rule of Hong Kong underscores how the regime runs contrary to universal values, the DPP said.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) should stop repressing the people of Hong Kong and address the concerns of the international community and those of Hong Kongers by restoring the territory’s freedom and glory, it said.

A ban on gatherings on the anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre on June 4, as well as on July 1, only shows the world that the so-called promises of autocratic governments are not credible, the party added.

The DPP cited the Mainland Affairs Council as saying that experts, legislators and regular Taiwanese have reported many irregularities when visiting China over the past few years, adding that such acts would not help endear the CCP to the international community.

The party urged Beijing and the Hong Kong government to stop oppressing Hong Kongers, to once again observe the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and allow Hong Kongers to have a greater degree of autonomy and enjoy a democratic society ruled by law.

It added that it would continue to stand on the side of democracy and freedom, and jointly condemn the CCP’s autocratic ways with the international community.

The DPP said it would support Hong Kong’s resolution to defend and seek democracy and freedom, adding that it would also be more resolute in defending a democratic and free Taiwan.